Well Child Visit at 9 to 10 Years

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

A well child visit is when your child sees a healthcare provider to prevent health problems. It is a different type of visit than when your child sees a healthcare provider because he is sick. Well child visits are used to track your child's growth and development. It is also a time for you to ask questions and to get information on how to keep your child safe. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them. Your child should have regular well child visits from birth to 17 years.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Where to take your child for well child visits:

It is best to find a medical home for your child. A medical home is a doctor's office or clinic where your child sees the same healthcare providers every time. A medical home will also keep your child's health records. The healthcare providers will get to know your child and your family so they can give him the best care. They will also make sure he receives vaccines on the recommended immunization schedule to protect him from diseases.

What happens during a well child visit at 9 to 10 years:

Your child's healthcare provider may do the following:

Chart your child's weight and height

Check your child's vision, hearing, and blood pressure

Ask how much sleep your child gets each night and how well he is sleeping

Check your child's teeth or tell you to take him to a dentist, and ask about your child's brushing and flossing routine

Talk to you about your child's physical activity, and time limits of less than 2 hours a day for TV, computers, or video games

Check for any changes in birthmarks, and talk to you about making sure your child wears sunscreen to prevent skin cancer

Talk to you about seat belts, bicycle and sports helmets, and water safety, such as not allowing your child to swim alone

Give your child any catch-up doses of previous vaccines

Milestones of development your child may reach by 9 to 10 years:

Each child develops at his own pace. Your child might have already reached the following milestones, or he may reach them later:

Menstruation (monthly periods) in girls and testicle enlargement in boys

Wanting to be more independent, and to be with friends more than with family

Development of more friendships

Able to handle more difficult homework or more responsibility at home

What you need to know about your child's next well child visit:

Your child's healthcare provider will tell you when to bring him in again. The next well child visit is usually at 11 to 14 years. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about his health or care before the next visit. Your child may get the following vaccines at his next visit: Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal. He may need catch-up doses of the hepatitis B, hepatitis A, MMR, or chickenpox vaccine. Remember to take your child in for a yearly flu vaccine.

Changes that may happen before the next well child visit:

Your child may start puberty, or puberty may continue to develop more quickly. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect and ask questions if you have any concerns.